News

Saudi Arabia Plans Wide-Ranging Entertainment Ecosystem

The global branding and urban planning for Qiddiya City aims to bring in 48 million visitors annually.

Published

2 years ago

May 16, 2024

Nour Nasir

saudi arabia plans wide-ranging entertainment ecosystem

Qiddiya

Qiddiya Investment Company has formed a merger with Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) amid plans to comprehensively overhaul the entertainment sector. The new entity aims to construct a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem to further Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and forge ahead with the construction of the multi-billion dollar Qiddiya project.

Managing director of Qiddiya and chairman of SEVEN Abdullah Aldawood, explained that the merger would “create a new concept of fun and improve the quality of life by building an integrated and unprecedented entertainment ecosystem”.

qiddiya project final plan saudi arabia

SEVEN brings vast experience to the ambitious plans after spearheading the development of 21 entertainment projects spanning 14 Saudi Arabian cities, with total investments exceeding $13 billion.

Among its many achievements, SEVEN was responsible for reintroducing cinemas to the Kingdom after a 35-year hiatus and has secured partnerships with global brands, including Transformers, Play-Doh, Hot Wheels, Clip’ n Climb, Discovery Adventures, and Flow House.

Also Read: Meet JAIS Chat: The AI-Powered Chatbot For Arabic Speakers

Qiddiya was envisioned as a giga-project and slated for a 2022 opening. However, the timeline has now shifted, with the opening of the eagerly anticipated Six Flags and Aqua Arabia theme parks now pushed back to 2025.

News

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.